Diwali 2017: Lakshmi Puja Timing and Significance

Diwali will be celebrated on October 19th, 2017 on Thursday. It begins with dwadashi on October 16th, 2017 (Monday) and ends on Bhaiya Duj on October 21th, 2017 Saturday. It is the autumn festival of lights celebrated across India and worldwide. The precise day is determined according to the Hindu calendar; the main night of Diwali festival falls on Amavasya, the new moon night of Kartika Month. Laxmi Pooja, Rangoli decoration, sweets and the gathering of families are some of the hallmarks of this festival.Laxmi Puja Muhurat on Diwali Festival:

The timing of worship (Shubh muhrat) of goddess Lakshmi is between 19:44 to 20:38. The Amavasya Tithi will be starts from 00:13 on October 19 and will end on 00:41 on Oct 20.Diwali Puja Vidhi:

Diwali Puja is conducted at the appropriate timing, while taking into account the pradosh time and ‘amavasya tithi’. A comprehensive Diwali Puja involves the following steps.

First you have to perform the Atma shodhan, or self-purification.

Then, taking the water in your fist, you make a sankalpa, which is solemn promise to perform the Diwali Puja rituals.You can now recite the shanti path mantra for peace, prosperity in your life.

Next, the Mangal path is recited for wish fulfilment of the family. Take a coconut tied with a red cloth and secred thread and establish it in a copper or earthern pot for the Kalash sthapana. This is followed by Ganpati puja, to invoke the blessings of Lord Ganesha. The Nav Graha puja is conducted after this, to propitiate all the nine planets.After this, the worship of Goddess Lakshmi is commenced as per the Lakshmi Puja mahurat. After Lakshmi Pujan is over, the lamp is kept lit throughout the night.

People read the Lakshmi Sukta and other Stutis of Goddess Lakshmi. Some people remain awake all night in order to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into their house.